The culture of athletics in the United States is rising with 21.47 million youth participating in at least one organized sport. A review of the research indicates that athletic participation contributes to increased self-esteem, connection to peers and the community, and exposure to positive adult role models. Despite this growing body of evidence few studies have examined the role of athletic participation for Latina females. Latinos constitute a major percentage of the total U.S. population, however studies show that one in ten U.S. Latinos who enroll in college will complete a degree. This study explored the role of athletics on Latina college students as they transition to college. This study used a qualitative design and included semi-structured interviews of six female Latina college athletes. The results drew attention to the role cultural identity has for these students as they enter and transition to college. Ten themes emerged were identified: social support and connectedness with peers, teammates, coaches and professors, positive enhancement of sense of self, athletic identity, transition to college as an athlete and overall experience of being Latina in college. A key finding that emerged was the impact college as a whole has on facilitating and aiding in the development of bicultural identity whereby students can embrace their unique cultural heritage while at the same time integrate into dominant culture. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]